Northern Ireland: Bands on BBC/ Ulsters/ Belfast Tattoo/ Antrim/ Big Rab

Recently there was the return of the popular series ‘The Band’ on BBC Northern Ireland television which has three episodes and should now be available on iPlayer. The series marks USA 250 by exploring the stories of people who emigrated from Northern Ireland to America and Canada and found friendship and belonging through their passion for bands.  The series follows Danielle Hamilton Cooper from Cookstown, who emigrated to Philadelphia after…

Skye Gathering 2026 Senior Results

The annual, two-day Skye Gathering piping competitions began today (Aug 4) in Portree. Twenty-eight entered for the Dunvegan Medal contest for which pipers have to submit four MacCrimmon tunes. Previous winners are excluded and play for the Col. Jock MacDonald Clasp to the medal. The winner of the 2026 medal was Angus MacPhee (pictured above with the medal, courtesy Cailean Maclean). Angus had been second in this contest for the…

Editor’s Notebook: Worlds Preview/ G2 Qualifying/ Games News/ Glasgow Police LP

Congratulations to Inveraray after their big win at the Scottish last Saturday. It was a much-needed triumph for the band with only three weeks to the Worlds. I’m told that they had a few of their leading players back in the ranks after their rather ring-rusty performance at the Euros at Perth. It’s clearly all to play for among the top outfits, stating the obvious I know, but with the…

Tobermory Games Results and Comment

The piping at Mull Games in Tobermory attracted an entry of 12 in the senior light music and 11 in the Piobaireachd. Conditions were grey but dry. The old ash tree at the Piobaireachd board heard some good playing – just as it has done over the last 50 plus years. First on was Ursa Beckford from Maine, USA. He offered three biggies, Laments for the Children, Anapool Laird and…

Tomintoul Highland Games Results

The traditional Highland Games took place at Tomintoul, Aberdeenshire, last Saturday, July 18, writes Duncan Watson. The village is believed to be the highest settlement in the country.  In common with the USA, this year marks its 250 years of existence. There were extra events to celebrate this.  Considering the population of the village and surrounding area, there was a huge crowd of spectators and, having chatted to a few, it was…